DRUG OFFENSES
DRUG OFFENSES UNDER FEDERAL LAW
Drug crimes can get charged at both the state and federal levels. Please click here for a review of drug crimes under Washington law. As for federal offenses, they often relate to:
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession
- Drug Manufacturing
- Drug Distribution
Defendants are also likely to confront federal charges if the facts of their case involve substantial quantities of drugs or extensive criminal organizations. Please also note that federal law prohibits the import and export of controlled substances.
PENALTIES FOR FEDERAL DRUG OFFENSES
The penalties for federal drug charges are quite severe. They include the risk of substantial fines and long stretches of jail time. In terms of jail, persons charged with a federal drug crime must know that they’ll face mandatory minimum sentences of either 5 or 10 years in prison.
We should also raise the topic of conspiracy when discussing penalties for federal drug crimes. One of the most powerful tools at the disposal of federal prosecutors, in terms of drug crimes, is their ability to charge defendants with being part of a conspiracy. This greatly expands a defendant’s potential criminal liability, and successfully proven conspiracy charges will increase federal penalties.
DEFENSES TO FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
Defenses to these charges do exist. Many of the defenses commonly available in federal drug cases revolve around how federal law enforcement agencies obtained the evidence that they are trying to use against you. Officers must generally have a reasonable suspicion to believe that you committed or are committing a crime to stop you on the street or pull over your car. They usually need to have probable cause – a higher level of suspicion – if they want to search your car or home without a warrant. Federal investigators often employ additional techniques such as the use of confidential informants and wiretaps, which require adherence to numerous technical rules. Although there are some exceptions to these rules, officers that do not follow them are likely to find that the evidence that they obtained because of an unlawful search and seizure is not considered by a court.
Defenses, however, will likely never get raised unless you contact an attorney experienced with federal drug charges. The attorneys at Black & Askerov have the experience and skill that you need. They are passionate in their representation and tireless in their efforts to protect your rights and freedom. Contact them now to get the help that you deserve.